Two fluid aerosol dispenser with external secondary fluid container

ABSTRACT

A primary fluid is held in a pressurized container having a conventional outlet valve. An attachment container for a secondary fluid is constructed for coupling engagement with the pressurized container so that an integral dispenser may be formed. The discharge of secondary fluid is regulated by a distortable valve element and the secondary fluid becomes entrained in a jetstream of primary fluid in a common outlet nozzle.

United States atet Marraffino, deceased et a1.

[54] TWO FLUID AEROSOL DISPENSER WITH EXTERNAL SECONDARY FLUID 1 Feb. I, 1972 3,305,134 2/1967 Carmichael et al ..222/193 3,297,209 1/1967 Pungitore ..222/193 2,883,089 4/1959 Kiraly .222/402.24 3,291,346 12/1966 Marraffino. ..222/l36 3,117,700 1/1964 Gorman ..222/402.24 X

Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Assistant Examiner-James M. Slattery AttorneyWynne and Finken [57] ABSTRACT A primary fluid is held in a pressurized container having a conventional outlet valve. An attachment container for a secondary fluid is constructed for coupling engagement with the pressurized container so that an integral dispenser may be formed. The discharge of secondary fluid is regulated by a distortable valve element and the secondary fluid becomes entrained in a jetstream of primary fluid in a common outlet nozzle.

1 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures CONTAINER [72] Inventors: Leonard L. Marraffino, deceased, late of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Roger H. Harper, executor, 2560 SE. 9th St., Pompano Beach, Fla.

[22] Filed: May 27, 1969 [21] App1.No.: 828,276

[52] U.S.Cl ..222/136,222/193,222/129, ZZZ/402.24 [51] Int. Cl ..B67d 5/52 [58] Field of Search ..222/193, 129, 402.24, 136, 222/139, 140, 406, 502, 503

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS PATENTED FEB 1 1972 SHEET 10F 2 INVENTOR LEONARD L. MARRAFFINO ATTORNEYS TWO FLUID AEROSOL DISPENSER WITH EXTERNAL SECONDARY FLUID CONTAINER Dispensers for certain fluids which cannot be marketed in premixed form are known. Such compositions include hair dyes, dental impression formulas, polyurethanes, rubberized silicones, certain foods, insecticides and the like. The prior art dispensers involving separate containers for primary and secondary fluids prior to dispensing have generally been expensive and have involved complex outlet valve means.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a dispenser for two fluids which are not compatible prior to the moment of dispensing. The invention dispenser enables the use of a conventional pressurized aerosol-type container with standard valving for the primary fluid, and an attachment container for nonpressurized secondary fluid couples to the primary fluid container during use but may be disconnected for packaging, storage or shipment. The attachment container is a gravity feed type having a secure outlet valve element in the form of a distortable washer and manual plunger actuator. This valve means allows the user to meter secondary fluid into ajetstream of primary fluid in a mixing chamber adjacent to a ;ischarge nozzle which is common to both fluids. The entire structure is simplified, very reliable in operation, involves a minimum number of parts, is safe to use and ship, and is economical to manufacture. Other features and advantages of the invention will appear during the course of the following description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a central vertical section, partly in elevation, of an assembled dispenser for primary and secondary fluids embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the dispenser.

FIG. 3 is a. fragmentary vertical section, similar to FIG. 1, showing the relationship of parts as the two fluids are being dispensed. FIG. 4 is a fragmentary central vertical section through a secondary fluid container in accordance with a slight modification.

FIGv 5 is a central vertical section, partly in elevation, through a dispenser for primary and secondary fluids in accordance with a further modification and with the parts disposed in nondispensing relationship.

FIG. 6 is a horizontal section taken on line 66 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a central vertical section similar to FIG. 5 showing parts positioned for dispensing the primary and secondary fluids.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals designate like parts, and in particular referring first to FIGS. 1-3, the numeral 10 designates a conventional pressurized metal container of the type commonly employed for dispensing a wide variety of fluids ranging from insecticides to shaving cream and the like. The dispensing container 10 is equipped at its top with conventional outlet valve means including an axial reciprocatory outlet nozzle 11 for the pressurized contents of the container 10. The nozzle 11 is spring biased outwardly to a normally closed or nondispensing positron.

An attachment container 12 for a secondary fluid is preferably formed of plastic having somelhat resilient characteristics and the lower end of the container 12 is formed to provide a socket recess 13 and surrounding resilient flange 14 which snaps over an annular collar 15 provided on the upper end of container 10 surrounding the nozzle 11. The two containers l0 and 12 are readily separable but when coupled together as shown form a secure unit.

The attachment container 12 may hold, for example, hot water to be dispensed with shaving cream in the pressurized container 10. It may also contain hair dye or various compositions which are not compatible with metal and which must be separated from the other fluid component in the container 10 until the actual time of dispensing.

The container 12 has a central bore 16 in its lower end concentric with the nozzle 11 and leading upwardly to an enlarged cylindrical recess I7, in turn opening into an upper chamber 18 for the secondary fluid. The recess 17 has securely anchored therein a valve head I9 having a main lower chamber 20 and a top tubular extension 21 serving as a guide or hearing for a plunger 22 mounted for reciprocation axially within the container 12. The extension 21 has radial ports 23 immediately above the head 19 in communication with the chamber 18 and leading to an annular chamber 24 between a somewhat reduced portion of the plunger 22 and the guide extension 2].

The lower end portion 25 of plunger 22 has guided engagement with the bore 16 and is socketed over the nozzle 11 as at 26 with a slip fit. The nozzle socketing recess 26 leads to a smaller axial bore 27, in turn communicating with a radial jet element 28 having a bore 0.035 inch or less, said jet element projecting somewhat outwardly of the plunger portion 25 and into an adjacent groove 29 in the container 12. This groove leads to a radial outlet port 30 immediately beyond the tip of jet element 28, in turn communicating with an outlet spout or nozzle 31 for the primary and secondary fluids.

Within the chamber 20, plunger 22 carries a distortable resilient valve element 32 of rubberlike material which is annular and generally concave-convex as indicated in FIG. 1. When the element 32 is undistorted or in the nondispensing position shown in FIG. 1, its lower marginal lip 33 forms a fluid seal with the bottom wall of recess 17. At this same time, a central axial bore 34 formed through the valve element 32 closes and seals radial ports 35 of the plunger 22 whose inner ends lead into a central bore 36 of the plunger and which bore has its upper end closed and has its lower end terminating at the ports 35. As shown, the valve element 32 is snugly seated in an annular recess 37 of the plunger 22 surrounding the radial ports 35 and the bore of the valve element snugly embraces the plunger within this recess so as to provide a reliable seal over the ports 35 while undistorted.

Somewhat above the element 32, additional radial ports 38 in the plunger 22 lead from the bore 36 to the surrounding chamber 24. The top wall of container 12 has a central clearance opening 39 for an integral pushbutton 40 on the plunger 22 and sufficient clearance is provided to vent the secondary fluid chamber 18 at the time of dispensing as indicated by the arrows in FIGv 3. Immediately beneath the top wall 41 of the container 12 a preferably resilient fluid sealing annular flange 42 is formed on the plunger 22 or suitably secured thereto, and when the plunger is elevated in the nondispensing position of FIG. I, the flange 42 forms a seal around the opening 39 which is sufficient to prevent the escape of the secondary fluid in the container 12 which is not pressurized. The resiliency of the valve element 32 enables the valve element to also serve as a spring for normally maintaining the plunger 22 upward in the nondispensing position. The valve spring, not shown, connected with the nozzle Il may also aid in elevating the plunger 22. It should now also be clear that the container I2 is capable of retaining the secondary fluid in the chamber 18 regardless of whether the two containers l0 and 12 are coupled together or entirely separated, as may be desirable for shipment, packaging or storage.

In order to dispense the primary and secondary fluids together as depicted in FIG. 3, it is merely necessary for the user to depress the button or knob 40, thus forcing the plunger 22 axially inwardly and simultaneously distorting valve element 32 approximately as shown in FIG. 3 and also simultaneously forcing the nozzle 11 axially inwardly so as to release the pressurized primary fluid in the container 10 through the conventional valve means thereof. This latter fluid will rush through the nozzle 11 and bore 27 and through the small jet nozzle 28 carried by the plunger 22. The jet nozzle 28 has now moved downwardly with the plunger 22 into alignment with the radial port 30. Consequently, a rather strong jetstream of primary fluid will enter the radial port 30 and at this point will mix with and entrain the desired amount of secondary fluid now released by the distortion of annular valve element 32.

As shown clearly in FIG. 3, the distortion of valve element 32 allows the secondary fluid in the chamber 18 to flow by gravity through ports 23, chamber 24, radial ports 38, central bore 36 and out through radial ports 35 to groove 29 and port 30. The composite fluid is then discharged through the common nozzle 31, as shown. The user can easily control the total dispensing of the fluid components by manipulating the plunger 22 and immediately upon release of this plunger, the parts will return automatically to the closed nondispensing relative positions of FIG, 1. At all times, the valve element 32 maintains a seal with the bottom of chamber 17, whether distorted or nondistorted. When distorted, the central bore 34 of valve element 32 is simply stretched open so as to uncover the radial ports 35 so that the secondary fluid may enter the common outlet or port 30 and be entrained in the jetstream of pressurized primary fluid.

FIG. 4 shows a slight modification and simplification of the secondary fluid container and release valve means. In this figure or modification, the head 19 with guide extension 21 of the previous embodiment are omitted and the annular recess 17 is omitted. The opening 39 and bore 16 are relied upon to guide the plunger or valve stem 22. The distortable resilient valve element 32' is slightly modified to provide an annular marginal flange 43 which fits snugly into an undercut annular groove 44 in the solid body portion 45 of attachment container 12. A central bore 46 of valve element 32 serves to cover the radial ports 35 or uncover the same by substantially the same mode of operation previously described, and the distortable element 32 surrounds and snugly embraces the plunger 22 within an annular groove thereof, as shown. A cavity or chamber 47 is formed in the body portion 45 below the element 32' in direct communication with the longitudinal groove 29' and common outlet port 30. All other parts of the apparatus are identical to the corresponding parts shown and described in the previous embodiment and the overall mode of operation of the dispenser remains the same and the description of operation need not be repeated.

Another modification is shown in FIGS. -7 inclusive differing primarily from the previous embodiments in that the fluids are dispensed through the top of the device rather than radially through the nozzle 31 near the midpoint of the dispenser, Referring to FlGS. 5-7 in detail, the identical pressurized container or can of primary fluid is employed having conventional outlet nozzle 11 and valve means, not shown, and upper collar for releasable coupling engagement with the flange 14 of a secondary fluid container 48 formed of plastic or the like and having a secondary fluid chamber 49 above a solid body portion 50 thereof. The body portion 50 has a central bore 51 for the guidance of a valve stem or plunger 52 having socketed engagement with the end of nozzle 11, as previously described, and also having a central bore 53 leading upwardly into an enlarged bore portion 54 extending through the upper end of the plunger above the top wall 55 of the container 48. Such top wall includes a central guide and vent opening 56, as previously described. A resilient washer seal 57 is carried by the plunger 52 immediately below the wall 55 for sealing the opening 56 when the parts are in the nondispensing position, FlG. 5. A combination outlet nozzle and pushbutton 58 is carried by the upper end of plunger 52, above container 48, as shown.

A resilient washer and seal 59 has its margin secured within a groove 60 of body portion 50 and has its bore snugly engaging an undercut portion 61 of plunger 52, immediately below a cavity or chamber 62 in the top of body portion 50 surrounding the plunger 52. Diametrically opposed fluid passages or slots 63 also formed in the solid body portion 50 lead from the annular chamber 62 to the bottom of chamber 49, FIGS. 5 and 6.

A distortable resilient rubberlike washer valve element 64 similar to the element 32' and having a crown shape includes a marginal flange 65 within an undercut annular groove 66 in the body portion 50, which annular groove is intersected by the slots 63, as shown. The upper portion of valve element 64 projects through a concentric opening 67 communicating directly with the chamber 49. A central bore 68 of the valve element 64 is seated in a groove 69 of plunger 52 and snugly embraces the plunger, and the bore securely covers plural radial ports 70 in the plunger 52 which lead outwardly from the central bore 53. A jet nozzle 71 similar to the element 28, having a bore of 0.035 inch or less, is secured within the bore 53 immediately below the radial ports 70.

The mode of operation of the dispenser remains generally similar to that of the prior embodiments. Whenever the push button 58 is released, the resiliency of the valve element 64 somewhat aided by washer seal 59 will maintain the plunger 52 elevated in the nondispensing position, FIG. 5, and the seal 57 will cover the vent opening 56 and the outlet nozzle 11 will also be elevated by conventional spring means to a nondispensing position. At this time, the undistorted valve element 64 will seal the ports 70 and no secondary fluid from the chamber 49 can enter the bore 53. Such fluid can enter the slots 63, however, and the washer seal 59 will prevent secondary fluid from running down through the guide bore 51. The fluid components in both container 10 and 48 will be securely held by the respective container valves regardless of whether the two containers are coupled, as shown in the drawings, or separated for shipment, storage .or the like.

To dispense primary and secondary fluid as shown in FIG. 7, the user simply depresses the pushbutton 58 which will open the vent 56 of container 48 and simultaneously depress the nozzle 11 of pressurized container 10 to release the primary fluid therein. Simultaneously, the valve element 64 will be depressed and distorted as in FIG, 7 and the bore 68 will be stretched to a conical shape to uncover the radial ports 70, thus allowing secondary fluid from the chamber 49 to flow by gravity through the slots 63 to the chamber 62 and then inwardly through the ports 70 to the axial bore 53.

At this same time, a pressurized jetstream of primary fluid is emitting from the jet nozzle 71 upwardly and the secondary fluid from the ports 70 is mixed with and entrained in the jetstream of primary fluid and carried upwardly through the bore 54 and finally out through the dispensing bore of the pushbutton 58. The washer seal 59, now distorted, FIG. 7, continues to seal against the flow of secondary fluid downwardly toward the bore 51. This dispensing of comingled primary and secondary fluids will continue until the pushbutton 58 is released and the parts return automatically to the sealing nondispensing relative positions of FIG. 5.

in view of the foregoing detailed description, it is believed that the various features and advantages of the invention will now be apparent to those skilled in the art without the necessity for further elaboration.

It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A dispenser for primary and secondary fluids comprising a pressurized container for primary fluid having an outlet nozzle normally biased to a nondispensing position, an attachment container for secondary fluid detachably coupled to said pressurized container, an outlet spout common to both the primary and secondary fluids, a reciprocatory plunger positioned within the attachment container having a pushbutton which projects from the attachment container, said attachment container having a top wall, said pushhutton projects through a central opening in said top wall with sufficient clearance being provided to vent the secondary fluid, said plunger having an upper axial bore in fluid communication with the secondary fluid and a lower separate discrete axial bore in fluid communication with the primary fluid, both being axially aligned with said outlet nozzle and both being in communication with said outlet spout whereby said primary fluid can enter the lower axial bore from said nozzle and said secondary fluid can enter said upper axial bore, said plunger undistorted position, movement of said plunger in one axial direction distorting said valve element and uncovering the radial ports thereby allowing secondary fluid to flow through said spout and releasing primary fluid into said lower axial bore to said spout. 

1. A dispenser for primary and secondary fluids comprising a pressurized container for primary fluid having an outlet nozzle normally biased to a nondispensing position, an attachment container for secondary fluid detachably coupled to said pressurized container, an outlet spout common to both the primary and secondary fluids, a reciprocatory plunger positioned within the attachment container having a pushbutton which projects from the attachment container, said attachment container having a top wall, said pushbutton projects through a central opening in said top wall with sufficient clearance being provided to vent the secondary fluid, said plunger having an upper axial bore in fluid communication with the secondary fluid and a lower separate discrete axial bore in fluid communication with the primary fluid, both being axially aligned with said outlet nozzle and both being in communication with said outlet spout whereby said primary fluid can enter the lower axial bore from said nozzle and said secondary fluid can enter said upper axial bore, said plunger having two radial ports leading from the upper axial bore and a jet nozzle leading from the lower axial bore to said spout, a distortable resilient annular valve element generally concavoconvex in shape connected with said plunger at its central portion and attachment container at its outer portion and covering the radial ports in said upper axial bore with its central portion when the valve element is in a nondispensing undistorted position, movement of said plunger in one axial direction distorting said valve element and uncovering the radial ports thereby allowing secondary fluid to flow through said spout and releasing primary fluid into said lower axial bore to said spout. 